PhD in Biomedical Science Overview

Graduates interested in conducting independent research and gaining laboratory experience might benefit from earning a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Biomedical science degree. Biomedical scientists conduct research in order to comprehend human disease and find ways to improve human health. PhD Biomedical Science programs are designed to educate learners who aspire to pursue careers as research scientists and scholars, or academic careers in biological and biomedical science.

While Doctorate in Biomedical Science degrees tend to focus on research methods needed to be a scientist such as product design and data interpretation, some students may be in a dual degree program that pairs a PhD with a range of specialized medical degrees. These degrees, such as Medical Doctor (MD), Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS), Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) and Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO), teach the clinical skills that these professions require.[i]

Typical Requirements for Biomedical Science Doctoral Programs

At the doctorate level, PhD in Biomedical Science programs usually necessitate that students have at least a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry, biophysics, microbiology, molecular biology or another closely related science field, as well as prerequisite coursework in calculus, chemistry, biology, genetics and physics. Depending on the program, other prerequisites may include letters of recommendation, a letter of intent and a minimum undergraduate grade point average.

Ph.D. programs in biomedical science generally take 4-5 years to complete, and include core and elective coursework, laboratory rotations and dissertation research. Generally, the first year exposes students to research in biological, bioengineering and biomedical fields to help them identify an area of specialization and dissertation

topic. Some of the areas of specialized concentration for PhD dissertation research may include:

Cell analysis and modeling

Structural and quantitative biology

Neuroscience

Immunology

Genetics

Toxicology

How To Find a PhD in Biomedical Science Program

Just beginning to look into a PhD graduate program in Biomedical Sciences? GradSchools.com has easy to use search tools. If location is important to you, use the city, state, or country tabs to generate results. Otherwise you might want to review choices based on learning format. Are you interested in a campus-based or online PhD in Biomedical Sciences?

Campus programs offer face-to-face interactions with fellow doctorate students and the faculty members. You also have access to the laboratory and libraries, where it is likely you will be spending much time!

Online PhD in Biomedical Science programs may have the benefit of being convenient, in that you need a computer and Internet access for seminars. You would likely have to have a laboratory where you could perform your work and conduct your research.

Doctorate in Biomedical Science​ PhD Program Potential Curriculum

A biomedical science PhD curriculum typically provides students with an opportunity to gain advanced interdisciplinary knowledge of the biological and physical sciences. Some of the core courses that students might explore may include subjects such as:

Molecular biology

Cell biology

Research methods

Issues in Biomedical Sciences

Biomolecular science

Gross anatomy

Potential Career Paths For PhD Biomedical Sciences Graduates

Having achieved a Doctorate in Biomedical Science, graduates are prepared for potential research and teaching positions in academia, government agencies and private industry. Possible employers might include universities, hospitals, pharmaceutical and medicine manufacturing and medical and diagnostic laboratories.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, medical scientist held about 107,900 jobs in 2014 with 34% of this total employed in research and development in the physical, engineering, and life sciences.[ii] With the growth of an aging population, increased rates of chronic conditions, and the need for ongoing research in treating and preventing diseases such as AIDS and Alzheimer’s, the BLS anticipates an 8% growth in employment between 2014 and 2024.

Some of the job titles that Medical Scientists have include[iii]:

Associate Director Experimental Medicine

Clinical Laboratory Scientist

Clinical Pharmacologist

Investigator; Laboratory Director

Post-Doctoral Fellow

Research Scientist

Scientist or Senior Research Scientist

Potential Salary For Biomedical Scientists

According to the BLS, the median salary reported for May 2014 of $79,930. The lowest 10% earned less than $43,150, and the highest 10% earned more than $148,210.[iv]

Ready To Pursue a Doctorate in Biomedical Science?

Graduate students who want to advance their research skills and technical knowledge of the biological and physical sciences should look into PhD Biomedical Sciences on GradSchools.com. Start reviewing the options in order to fine-tune your search and choose the program that aligns with your career goals!

By entering my email address and clicking "Sign Up" I agree to be contacted by EducationDynamics for additional education products and services, this submission is not required to use our site. Privacy Policy.

EducationDynamics maintains business relationships with the schools it features.